The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Review

The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition comes in 3 discs: 2 game discs and 1 soundtrack CD. Content in the game discs, you will be pleased to know, are split in acts. This means you will only need to replace the Disc 1 with Disc 2 once during one playthrough. The soundtrack CD is brilliant, easily worth quarter of the game price. You also get a map which unfortunately is not as good as maps you get with Red Dead redemption or Skyrim but it is ok.

I have not played the original Witcher game, which apparently is a prequel to The Witcher 2 game, but that did not cause any problems. You start by playing the prologue which gives you some insight in things that happened during the first game. It is very well directed so you will be impressed immediately how cinematic the game looks like. The game is not without flows though. Even though quite enjoyable, combat can sometimes be fiddly and a cause for some frustration. More about that further down.

Graphics

I was running low in disc space so initially I did not install the game. As a result I wasn't to impressed with the graphics. I then made some space and installed both discs and the difference was huge which is credit to artists of this game.This game is simply beautiful. The environment, lightning, the colours, everything looks just breathtaking. Obviously, there is room for improvement, but from what I have seen so far in Xbox 360, this game is at the top as far as graphics are concerned.

I like it that they have invested in character animations during the dialogues. Considering this game is a RPG, this makes a big difference as you will have to go through a lot of dialogues. Camera moves if needed so you are not staring at one person's face like they are in a photo frame hanging on the wall. Face expressions and body expressions are much better then what I've used to see for instance in recent Mass Effect 3, and miles miles better than the likes of Fallout.

Sometimes you do get rough textures changing into higher resolution textures, or items popping in in the distance. You also will notice the use of fog effect bit on the heavy side, but only if you want to be picky. It did not effect my game enjoyment at all. 10/10 as far as graphics' concerned from me.
Audio
I absolutely love the soundtrack from this game. I have got it on my phone, sound system at home and work computer. Ambient music changes as you enter different areas of the map and follows the gameplay immaculately.

Acting is just brilliant and use of language makes the game so much more authentic. Who ever worked on the dialogues for English language, done great job. You have outdone Skyrim you 'ploughing whoresons'! :)

The only thing I could complain about is that they saved on the number of actors they have used. Often I noticed same actor voicing two or more different NPCs in the same area of the map. This is specially distracting when you hear same person voicing the king and the guard in the same camp where king is staying. A bit confusing too.

Overall the audio is sharp and and in synch with great graphics so 9/10 from me on this.

Gameplay

I mentioned before that directing in this game is just great. Even though the story is somewhat linear it branches significantly in several places and you can take on quests in any order you like. Definitely warrants at least a second playthrough and few "go backs to saved game". I am on my second playthrough, getting close to the end of first half of the game, and it already feels like a new game with completely new quests and new story perspective. It is incredible how well they designed the story. Even though now I am taking different paths, things fall into place very nicely and it all makes sense.

The story and the dialogues are just wonderful. Everything links so nicely and it gives the player full control how they want to play the game. And if you really liked the game like me, you can play it again and choose different path and get new gaming experience.

Combat system could have been much better though. You need to spend way to much of your time in preparation for it and controls during combat are somewhat cumbersome. I guess this is why they have included arena game-mode where you can go and fight wave after wave of different types of enemies you encounter during the game so you can practice various ways you can tackle them. Nevertheless, combat is still sufficiently enjoyable and it does get easier as you progress through the game.

The maps and system used in general could have been better as well. I had some major difficulties finding my way around Verden as maps were more or less useless. There are many levels but map only displays one level. So finding entrances to get to your destination proved quite frustrating for me at times there is no path indicated either. On the good side though, none of other areas in the game are as complex as Vergen so you can find your way around elsewhere fairly easy. Also the maps in general are not large at all so you do not need to spend ages to get to your destination. Everything seem to be close together and yet feels natural enough.

So some niggles with combat and maps, but in general, very satisfying gameplay - 8/10 for the gameplay.

In summary

If you like RPGs then this game is a must for you. If you're not so keen on RPGs, then you should still give this game a chance. Go in it with an open mind and sale through a wonderful fairytale of Geralt of Rivia. 


Overall score - 9.5/10


Official site: http://en.thewitcher.com/the-witcher/2/xbox/